Cruise lines love nothing more than the launch of a shiny new ship.There’s razzmatazz at every turn: the smashing of champagne against the bow, the appointment of a godmother, seductive launch offers to entice the curious, endless marketing opportunities and boasts that the ship is unlike any before it. I’m on board Explora III for its inaugural voyage in the Med, and we have all of the above, and then a lot more – including a super-glitzy naming ceremony, raucous live performance from Sister Sledge (now down to just Kathy Sledge, but with a back-up team of singers and dancers).There's also a spectacular drone light show, a DJ set with Bob Sinclar, and the bars all open until 3am.It’s quite a scene but, then, this is quite a ship: the third in the Explora portfolio and possibly the plushest for this size of vessel anywhere on the high seas. There are five different swimming pools onboard Explora III - so there's no need to rush and nab a sunbed at dawn The third addition to the Explora portfolio, Explora III is the height of luxury at sea, with plush interiors, a plethora of onboard facilities and an astounding crew-to-passenger ratio of approximately 700:900 Mark Palmer on Explora III, sailing around the Mediterranean on its inaugural voyageThere are 461 suites (which absolutely must not be called cabins), meaning there will never be more than 900 or so passengers, looked after by a crew of 700. That’s an impressive ratio.Explora Voyages, as it’s officially called, is part of the ubiquitous MSC group, the largest container shipping company in the world, which is still privately owned by the Italian Aponte family. The plan is to have six Explora ships by 2028.‘Maybe the best hotel in the world isn’t a hotel at all’, is Explora III’s favourite slogan, along with ‘maybe the best rooftop bar isn’t in a building’ and ‘maybe the best suite comes with a new view every day’ – and so on.In fact, Explora doesn’t really like the word 'cruise', preferring ‘ocean travel’ – and there’s a big push to get in touch with your ‘ocean frame of mind’.The latter’s not difficult when even the smallest suites are bigger than other entry-level cabins (sorry) I’ve experienced – and what I love is the sense of space throughout the whole ship. With stops including Genoa, in Italy, and St Tropez in the South of France, it's no wonder Explora III use the slogan: ‘maybe the best suite comes with a new view every day’Indeed, check into one of the Owner’s Suites for €6,400 a night and it stretches from one side of the ship to the other.There’s absolutely no need to bag a sunbed at dawn here – although you might want to reserve one of dozens of cabanas.There are five swimming pools, a padel court, a casino, a malt whisky and cigar bar, Cartier, Rolex and Chopard shops as well as Nautilus Club for children and teenagers.There's a lot going on, in other words, but the vibe is elegant and sophisticated, with muted colours, thick carpets, discreet signage and expensive art. Mark describes the atmosphere onboard as 'elegant and sophisticated', aided, no doubt, by expensive artwork, discreet signage and plush fittings throughout Explora IIIOne morning, I stop at the Clarendon Fine Art gallery and there’s a red dot on a piece by Mr Brainwash, in the style of Banksy. Someone has bought it for €91,800.I also call in at the wine cellar bar. If you want an upgrade on the all-inclusive offerings (which are excellent) you can do so here.I notice a Chateau Palmer (no relation, sadly) for €980, a snip compared with the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti burgundy going for €16,800 a bottle.But what sets Explora III apart in a growing field of luxury, boutique-style ships (hotel groups such as the Ritz-Carlton, Oberoi, Four Seasons, Belmond and, from next year, Aman are all chasing this market) is the food.There’s no traditional help-yourself buffet, no main dining room – and perish the thought of a captain’s table. There is, however, a chef’s table next to the onboard cookery school. Excellent food options sets Explora III apart, which include a Japanese restaurant 'of the finest quality' and the Med Yacht Club, which can be found on deck four This ship was designed with those in mind who have never been on a cruise – and those who have no wish to do so, says MarkAnthology is the (dreadful phrase) fine-dining option, with a seven-course tasting menu and wine pairings, but you'll pay an additional €200 a head for this gastronomic blow-out.Better options, in my view, are either the French Fil Rouge or Med Yacht Club on deck four, and, perhaps better still, Sakura, a Japanese restaurant of the finest quality, with impeccable service.Sadly, I don’t make it to Marble & Co, the specialist meat restaurant, which American carnivores will adore, and, despite best intentions, I don’t go near the gym but a fellow passenger from Norfolk tells me it’s ‘life-changing’.I do, however, make it to the Wellness Centre, with its hydrotherapy pool and 11 treatment rooms.My masseuse comes from Bali, and says what she likes about Explora III is the diversity of the crew, made up not just of Filipinos (who account for 30 per cent of the cruise workforce worldwide), but men and women from India, Africa, South America and plenty from Italy, which adds a welcome dimension to life on board.Atriums on cruise ships tend to be elaborate, blingy affairs – statements of a kind. And on Explora III it’s only slightly less over-the-top, with a curved gold staircase with steps crafted from Sahara Noir marble.This ship was designed with those in mind who have never been on a cruise – and those who have no wish to do so. But I defy either of those groupings not to be mighty impressed by this latest showstopper. TRAVEL FACTS A seven-night Journey from Eastern Canada to New York’s Atlantic Gateway cruise on Explora III costs from £4,300pp in September (explorajourneys.com)